Midtown

[HangryHippo]

deleted

[catch22]

Will be good to see some more retail in Midtown. Wonder what building he plans on setting up shop in?

[HangryHippo]

Will be good to see some more retail in Midtown. Wonder what building he plans on setting up shop in?

I was wondering that myself.

[HangryHippo]

GrpFly has been around several years now, not sure what it has to do with MidTown though, he's located in Piedmont.

The last line of the article says, "Deas said he is working to open a store at NW 10 and Walker Avenue in Midtown."

[Pete]

10th & Walker?

Perhaps in the same building as Saturn Grill?

[metro]

The last line of the article says, "Deas said he is working to open a store at NW 10 and Walker Avenue in Midtown."

Thanks. Totally missed that somehow.

[catch22]

10th & Walker?

Perhaps in the same building as Saturn Grill?

Or maybe in the store fronts along Walker north of the circle between 10th and 11th?

[CuatrodeMayo]

Or maybe in the store fronts along Walker north of the circle between 10th and 11th?

Yes. I think they are working with one of the salons over here.

[adaniel]

Yes. I think they are working with one of the salons over here.

Hair Cafe is right there south of Cafe do Brasil. Wonder if they are in cahoots with each other?

[ljbab728]

An interesting interview and video about a recent renovation here.

Air Force veteran tackles MidTown renovation project | News OK

[ljbab728]

A new Urban Renewal plan for Midtown.

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/3854378

The plan would also allow Urban Renewal to acquire blighted properties from owners and historic buildings in danger of being lost, or land that is necessary for public use.

However, Urban Renewal will try in MidTown to move away from its past strategy of acquiring real estate and then soliciting proposals to redevelop the property to private developers, said Leslie Batchelor, general counsel for authority.

The participation agreements would require property owners to redevelop their property in MidTown in ways that will be beneficial to the neighborhood. While new residential and retail development have begun to revitalize many parts of MidTown over the past few years, there are still pockets of vacant and blighted properties that the authority hopes to combat.

Urban Renewal commissioned Oklahoma City-based Butzer Gardner Architects for a new MidTown plan. The draft plan includes narrowing MidTown streets in favor of angled parking in the area to combat some of the area's ongoing issues with a lack of parking, and also includes suggestions for a planned streetcar route through the area.

[Teo9969]

A new Urban Renewal plan for Midtown.

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/3854378

If they're going to do angled parking, I really hope they make it consistent. Western Ave is a great example of how badly angled parking can turn out if it's not implemented consistently across the board.

Better that they not even do angled parking (and I'd be in favor of parallel over angled) and just plan out garages strategically, after the one currently under way + the one that will likely spring up around 11th/walker, Midtown ought only need 2 more structures, considering that Edge will have one and presumably MidtownR with their assumed big development ~10th/Hudson. If so, the city should subsidize MidtownR's new project to include space for public parking and they could work with St. Anthony to develop parking.

[ljbab728]

As has been mentioned before, street parking can be a traffic calmer if done correctly and it shouldn't be abandoned in favor of only parking garages.

[Pete]

Really glad to hear this, because as even though there is much happening now in Midtown, we still have a long way to go:

The draft plan also targets 23 blighted or vacant areas in the MidTown area termed critical for the area' redevelopment. While the key areas, identified in the plan as “Catalytic Sites,” are scattered throughout MidTown, they are predominantly centered around vacant lots in the area around St. Anthony Hospital's MidTown Campus.

[bchris02]

A new Urban Renewal plan for Midtown.

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/3854378

This is good news. I am really hoping its not long before Midtown separates itself out from the pack and becomes a premier urban district, reaching critical mass.

[Praedura]

Found a fascinating blog entry by okcmidtowner. Urban exploration through midtown, with camera in hand.

Matt Landry went about midtown attempting to find interesting places to gather images of the district -- garage tops, alleyways, hidden corners. Capturing the grit along with the glory.

His results are here:

Urban Exploration in SW OKC Midtown | Midtowner


Here's a few of the images he captured.


















More photos at the link. Check it out.

[soonerguru]

It may be wrong, but I love the Classen Inn Motel.

[Praedura]

It may be wrong, but I love the Classen Inn Motel.

"If loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right..."



It's got that retro, mid-century mod, route 66 look down to the hilt. Probably one of those you love it or hate it kind of things. I think it's got character.

[Mr. Cotter]

I like it too. I get to drive past it twice a day.

The apartments just south of there would look just as nice if they got a fresh coat of paint.

[Teo9969]

I don't dislike it, but it needs to be rejuvenated. I bet they could pull some serious money if they found a way to make it super appealing.

It would make an interesting private residence.

You know...I think I'd prefer it not be razed, if there is a good rehab of the venue.

[Tier2City]

Midtown Urban Renewal Plan Draft Now Available for Public Comment | Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City

[CuatrodeMayo]

It may be wrong, but I love the Classen Inn Motel.

I get that. The building is cinematic, in a way.

[Spartan]

It may be wrong, but I love the Classen Inn Motel.

Perhaps it loves you back, as well.

[CuatrodeMayo]

Regardless, it will probably give you something to remember it by...

[bchris02]

"If loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right..."



It's got that retro, mid-century mod, route 66 look down to the hilt. Probably one of those you love it or hate it kind of things. I think it's got character.

I love the look of old mid-century roadside motels that have been kept up over the years. Unfortunately, most of them are dives these days. They really do have character unlike today's McHotels at every Interstate exit.